The NFL draft is three weeks away and several media experts have updated their projections in the past few days. The consensus for the Bears? Go wide receiver.

The Bears shipped mercurial pass-catcher Brandon Marshall to New York in a trade with the Jets last month, and replacing his 279 receptions in three seasons in Chicago is a top priority, as several analysts see it. Sixteen of 25 mock drafts predict the Bears will choose a wide receiver. Nine of them picked West Virginia speedster Kevin White, while seven opted for Alabama's Amari Cooper, who's viewed as the most polished at the position.

Six journalists targeted defensive ends or linebackers who could serve as edge rushers in a 3-4 scheme. Three experts chose defensive tackle as the biggest need.

The fact that he only had one really good season at West Virginia will concern some. But he's a big-play threat with his size and speed, and he possesses the ability to separate when the ball is in the air and come down with high-degree-of-difficulty contested catches.

Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young may be great making the transition; they may not. The Bears could use some assurance that they'll have at least one great fit as a stand-up 3-4 edge rusher, and if Gregory is still here at this point they should be happy.

John Fox is the third head coach in Chicago and fifth overall taking a shot at making Jay Cutler into a reliable quarterback. This is his last chance with Bears. Maybe Cooper, who replaces Brandon Marshall, will help.

There are still other holes to fill for the Bears, but given the success of last year's first-round wide receivers, I think teams will be quick to pull the trigger on anyone who can provide that kind of production.

Shelton could come in and be a good nose tackle, but he’s not just a space eater. He’s an active three-down player who could leave a player like Ego Ferguson staying at end, where he’ll be a better player.